John 1:42

New International Version

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).

For Meditation

Before time began, God knew us by name. We are not nameless people floating around. There is a divine identification and calling on us. Because we are His elect, God has marked us out and calls us out by name—the name He has known from eternity past (John 10:3).

God told Jeremiah that He knew him before He, God, formed Jeremiah in his mother’s womb; before Jeremiah was born, God set him apart and appointed him to be His prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5).

Moses heard God right when God called his name from the burning bush (Exodus 3:4). When he sought to know God’s ways better and to remain in His favor (33:12-13), God affirmed this truth to Moses (17).

“I will do the very thing you have asked because I am pleased with you, and I know you by name,” the Lord said (17).

Then Moses asked the Lord to show him his glory.

God honored his request (19-23; 34:6-8). It was not because of any good he did, but simply by His grace. God recognized him in a special relationship and as His instrument for His kingdom plan in the world. 

Bethsaida knew him as Simon, son of Jonah, an accomplished fisherman. Jesus, however, called and sent him out by the name He had determined for him from eternity—Peter. The world knows him this way to date (John 1:41-42).

We all live under the name the world knows us by, but God knows us by the name He recognizes from eternity. When He calls us, He does so by the eternal name He knows us. The world may know you, as Simon, the unstable and impulsive one, but ultimately, what God calls you will prevail in your life.

As our Good Shepherd, God calls us out by name and leads us to feed and refresh us (John 10:3; Psalm 23: 2). He will lead us to accomplish his purpose for our lives (Romans 8:28). God will graciously prosper us in everything because it is all for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

So, don’t let what is happening around you petrify you. God is with you and will see you through to the end with joy. 

Prayer:

Lord, I thank you for the name you gave me and call me by, even before time began. I may have lived under a worldly name and missed your mark. But thank you for inviting me by name for a walk with you through this turbulent world. May I live to fulfill my destiny and accomplish the purpose under your given name by which you have called me to display your glory in Christ Jesus, amen!